The Footing Tube: Concrete Pier Footing

Can’t lie: I’ve been frustrated in the past using cardboard concrete footing tubes, which are required for footings where we build. They’re an inexpensive solution to be sure, but can be difficult to use.

My main complaint is that during construction they’re both difficult to get on layout and—once you start placing concrete—even more difficult to keep on layout. Then, if there’s rain in the forecast, the concrete you just poured is subject to being drenched. And there is no guarantee that the cylindrical tubes won’t be effected by frost heaves.

The Footing Tube looks like it short circuits some of these calamities. The conical shaped tube—there are different sizes for everything from light posts to decks to pole barns—creates a slip joint. In other words, when the ground heaves, The Footing Tube stays put. It’s not a big deal where we build, but what caught my eye is the wide, flat base, which looks smart.

While I may have to dig a larger holes to accommodate this, as long as I dig it with a flat bottom I can place the tube more accurately. And, again because of the shape, when I backfill to stabilize the unit before placing concrete it is less likely to move and more likely to deform or tilt.

The Footing Tube is made from 100% recycled plastic which makes me happy and I like the Tube’s lids that keep everything covered protecting my concrete from the rain—and the hole from curious kids or pets.The tubes are even labeled with how much concrete is required to fill it. No need to remember, guess, or rely on someone else. Tubular, man…